by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese said after this past season, "This team will look different next year."

He wasn't joking.

The Giants released running back Ahmad Bradshaw and defensive tackle Chris Canty, the team announced Wednesday.

The news comes one day after the Giants released linebacker Michael Boley, a key member of their defense the past four seasons. In all, the cuts save roughly $13.75 million on the salary cap for the 2013 season, though that number could be even higher if the team designates Bradshaw as a post-June 1 release, thus delaying the final $1.25-million prorated portion of his signing bonus until 2014.

A person informed of the communication between Canty and the team said Canty was not offered a pay cut before being released. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the communication between the sides was to remain private. Canty was set to earn $6.5M in total compensation as part of a six-year deal signed in 2009.

Bradshaw, who turns 27 next month, has played only one full season in his six-year NFL career because he's been hampered by repeated foot and ankle issues. Bradshaw told reporters during an autograph session in New Orleans last week he recently had another procedure on his foot, in which he's had multiple stress fractures over the years. Bradshaw has said in the past he runs on the outside of his feet, which increases pressure on the outermost bones.

"Pound for pound, Bradshaw is one of the toughest football players that I've been around," Reese said in a statement released by the team. "Ahmad played football like Giants football should be played."

Bradshaw was halfway through a four-year, $17-million deal he signed in 2011. He was due to earn a base salary of $3.75 million and a workout bonus of $250,000 this season.

"Ahmad Bradshaw was drafted 250th in a class of 255 and to excel and to perform the way that he has, and to accomplish what he has, is a great tribute to him," coach Tom Coughlin said. "He is not only an exceptional football play, but he is the epitome of line up and play. Regardless of the circumstances, he's going to give you everything he's got."

The Giants will move forward with last year's first-round pick David Wilson as their primary running back. Wilson saw limited action for much of the season after fumbling in the season-opening loss to the Dallas Cowboys but closed strong with 247 rushing yards on 43 carries (5.7 yards a attempt) over the team's last four games. He also had 227 yards on kick returns in a victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Andre Brown, who had 385 rushing yards before breaking his leg in Week 12, will also see an increased role.